Stand-up Comedy is one of the purest, most nerve rattling forms of live performance. As a rising (hopefully) comedian that travels the country for gigs, I perceive that Galway is becoming a hotspot for this jocular entertainment. There are an increasing number of venues for budding and seasoned comedians to get on stage and let it fly.

I’m sure, even as you’re reading this you’re thinking: “tell us a joke.” A request that teases my daily life, the same way the song “Galway Girl” vexes local musicians. But as Shakespeare said: “All the world’s a stage.”

There’s another age-old myth that comedians are all crazy, energy filled lunatics. This is not a complete truism. I cannot speak for everybody, but I agree with Aristotle: “There’s no great genius without a mixture of madness.”

The life of a comedian is always twisted, filled with turbulence and butterflies. “Make me laugh funny man!” the comedian heard from the anxious audience. To be a glutton for punishment is an ideal trait if you’re thinking of chancing your arm and telling a few jokes on stage. It’s one of the most rewarding ‘trial by fire’ experiences you can imagine, sure to get your heart racing.

If you’re wondering where to see some of the local up and coming talent there’s options a plenty building up in Galway.

The Roisin Dubh has comedy on most Wednesdays, bringing the big names to the big stage in Galway. “Comedy Cocktails” in Busker’s is a cheerfully cozy comedy open mic night that’s held weekly on Sundays at 9:30pm. “Unhinged” Comedy is another weekly gig starting on the 8th of November downstairs in The Cellar Bar at 9pm. Plan an auld night out, have a laugh, and support live comedy around Galway.

In other news…

Sadly, Galway lost one comedy open mic night recently, awe… The “Get Up, Stand Up @ Garvey’s” which had been a part of the Galway comedy scene for the last two years came to an end on the 25th of October. However, local comedians made it a night to remember, leaving the audience in stitches and closing the doors to what was a great comedy night.

That’s the comedy craic for you any way. The most important exercise is to keep laughing and get out there and support the live comedy.

Last night, the 25th of October, was the last night of the “Get Up, Stand Up @ Garvey’s” comedy night. Awe (pause for emotion)…

For the last two years Garvey’s has been the premier open mic night in Galway, and now it’s time for greener pastures, like everyone’s first dog.

Was a class auld evening, candles were lit, the postage stamp stage was in the spotlight, the audience tingling with anticipation and the usual suspects were in, i.e. Dermot Roche, John O’ Hare, Danny O’ Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, my self, and Paul Marsh had his first and last performance on the Garvey’s stage.

The charity Canteen was in and they raised the roof of the night. Canteen‘s a great cause that supports teenagers with cancer (http://www.canteen.ie/).

As comedians got up and down, the clock ticked closer to the end and after I finished up the night with the crowd pleasing “Wank to Finish” and “Uterus Man” jokes, the curtains closed.

Thankfully, through all the sentimentality, people were able to back their tears… though John O’ Hare did go on a hugging spree, but it would’ve been strange if he hadn’t.

The charity made off with ample donations, the comedians got laughs, pints and craic were had, belly laughs were plentiful, all and all it was a wonderful way to close the doors to “Get Up, Stand Up @ Garvey’s”.

Do not fret comedy goers, like the saying goes: when one door closes a new one opens and the one that opens will be “Unhinged”. The “Unhinged” Comedy Club will be starting on the 8th of November downstairs in The Cellar Bar. It’s going to be a weekly gig, held every week… on Thursdays. There’s going to be local sponsors, prizes and drink given out to the audience members, and of course, top notch stand up comedy for all to enjoy. The night is going to be a €5 in, and comedians from all over the country will be gracing this new comedy clubs stage.

Before I go, thanks to everyone who supported “Get Up, Stand Up @ Garvey’s” over the past two years and made the night the “Comical Comicality” that it was. Comical Comicality…? Ah alliteration. Hope to see you all in The Cellar. …

Has been a hectic October in 2012, the last couple weeks I’ve been all over the shop, gigging away like a mad man.

The life on the road for a comedian leaves a lot to be desired. It’s not the pleasure filled experience one might think. The journey lacks any and all of the rock star qualities associated to ‘the road’. In fact the hardest task is to not drink oneself unconscious while passing the hours of down time before taking the stage, to a crowd that you hope has been doing exactly that for the whole evening.

Any who…

Was back in The International Comedy Club for theCraic Attack Comedy Competition, which was a night to forget. Damien Clarke was the evenings MC and he was in great form, getting the skeptical audience of nine laughing. There were nine comedians performing on the night, so it was an even playing field. I did 7-minutes and rushed off (before the results were calculated) to get the bus back to Galway. To my knowledge nobody got through on the night, the voting ballots must have been misplaced…

Was down in Limerick for the Seafoid comedy night in the Blind Pig. Was a cool pub, good atmosphere, though the comedians were somewhat thrown to the wolves, for the stage was plopped right in the middle of the hectic pub. The hustle and bustle of the people moving around the pub made for some interesting audience interaction throughout my set. Had a good gig, did 30-minutes and got some big laughs talking about love and the male ego, and how the two collide from time to time to make for some tense situations. There was a couple, or what I perceived to be a couple in the corner of the stage; the girl was laughing away and the guy seemed a bit uneasy about the subject matter, he was playing it cool and I was messing with his vibe… My bad.

On the Sunday I had my second appearance on the Comedy Cocktails stage at Busker Brownes in Galway. The audience seemed confused as to what was going on, so I figured I would go up and try out some new bits about recent visits to the psychologist and how I lost my virginity, all of which went down to muffled responses. There was a lesbian couple in the front row; they were at each other throughout my set; sucking the faces off each other so they were! I had to comment, I made a reference to yokes, which lead to some playful banter and ended with them calling me gay… Surely they’re the one’s who… Gotta love the uncomfortable laughs.

Crowbar Comedy was on the road in Naas, Co. Kildare, in Kavanagh’s Pub. The pub was packed out, the mic was broken, awkwardness in the air, but the show went on. I was up first and was greeted warmly; there was a crowd of Spanish up front that were having a great time for themselves, not sure who they were laughing at, but… The jokes went down well, Danny O’Hanlon and Kenny Gaughan hit form, and Johnny Graham brought the house down. Was the first time gigging in Naas and sure, I would be happy to go back. The night was packed out, and even though sound was an issue, the night went down swimmingly.

I was back in Ned Keenan’s Comedy Club to a much different atmosphere than my first appearance; was good craic nonetheless. Cheap drink, a few cheap laughs, and a room full of comedians, the punch lines were flying around the place! The rooms spirits were down for Germany had just finished spanking Ireland 6-1 when the gig started, which took from the nights atmosphere, it’s never a good felling when your country gets bent over by a group of Germans… My stuff went down like a hypodermic needle in NA, got a few laughs, but the head was not in it and it showed, I felt like Edward Norton when he kicks the shit out of himself in Fight Club. At least he left with a computer.

To top it all of I had my first Capital Comedy Club appearance. Was a stormy auld Sunday night in Dublin, so punters were scarce. Did a 7-minute spot, Al Porter MC’d in only the way he can. FJ Murray and Matt Saddlier were in, and Colm O’ Regan headlined to an eclectic crowd consisting of a few Galwegians, a few from the North, and an English/Indian hen night that got lost and found throughout the show. There were even a few Germans in, who graciously handled being at the butt end of a good few jokes. Laughing away, the Germans took it on the chin and rolled with the punches, like Enda Kenny does when he speaks to Angela Merkel…

By the end of all that I got back on a crowded bus, ended up sitting next to a girl who was coughing like a banshee suffering from the plague. The harrowing red clock that looms over all bus passengers continues to haunt my dreams; taunting me as the inflamed clock makes a two and half hour journey back to Galway seem like a never-ending episode of the Twilight Zone.

All and all it was great craic! What can I say; I’m a glutton for punishment. Thanks to everyone who had me in,

The first Inter gig has come and gone, and the yearning for the next gig has set in. The hardest part of being a comedian is being able to be a comedian, and the main ingredients in the comedian recipe are: stage time and an audience, The International had an ample supply of both.

The night started off a bit chaotic, after a botched gig that never happened, I hurried my way to Wicklow Street for my second booked gig of the evening. I rushed up the stairs and was met by Danny O’ Brien, the evenings MC; thankfully there was time to compose myself, get a pint, and have a few smokes before my 7-minute open spot.

Johnny Candon closed the first half in flying form, leaving an audience member on the floor after they fell off their stool…

The Inter is a daunting venue, the place was wedged, and the audience is right on top of the stage, which makes for a class atmosphere, and what makes the International such a superb venue for comedy.

The history of the place got the butterflies fluttering in the stomach, the nerves were tangible in an exciting fashion; I would’ve rendered myself deceased if they weren’t…

Danny O’ Brien kicked off the second half, got the audience going and introduced my goofy head to a boisterous welcome; I took the stage and found form and “Got Em Laughing”…

I started off well, gauged the audience, moved on to the ‘Buses’ bit, which went down well and allowed me to quiet down some chatty old one’s from Essex who were chirping away at the corner of the stage. ‘Lassie’ went down a treat. I ended with ‘Guns in Ireland’ and walked off stage to the audience’s applause, delighted with the evening’s events.

The evening’s headliner Jarlath Regan complimented my short set with a handshake as he prepared to take the stage.

Was a fantastic night, thanks to Aidan Bishop for giving me a spot, can’t wait to get back on The International Comedy Club’s stage, was a pleasure filled experience, just like…

The International is on 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland. If you haven’t been in you’re missing out, there’s 5-comedy shows a week (Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun), call in to see the stars and the up and coming stars of Irish comedy perform live!

My first International Comedy Club appearance is around the corner, and the painstaking task of shortening one’s set to fit into the confines of 7-minutes is proving to be a harder than anticipated. Shortening my set is something I never enjoy, for having the freedom to go with the flow of the joke and the audience’s response is a luxury that I relish.

However, cuts, snips and alterations will be made; this process could easily become a make over show: “Joke Make Overs” on RTE…? Perhaps too much of a stretch… Too edgy for RTE… I am sure nobody wants to hear about my deliberation on whether or not to include my ‘Shake That Ass’ bit; a seemingly minimal decision, but the joke really does tie the set together… Call in on the night to see my verdict on the ‘Shake That Ass’ bit, live!

I am playing the International Comedy Club this Thursday, the 20th of September, which means I will be away from “Get Up, Stand Up @ Garvey’s” for the evening, but do not fret, the night will be conducted by a more than capable Danny O’ Hanlon.

So if you are in Dublin call into the International Comedy Club, in the International Bar on 23 Wicklow St, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland. Doors are at 8:30pm, and tickets are €10/€8.

And if you’re in Galway call into “Get Up, Stand Up @ Garvey’s” in Garvey’s Hotel & Bar in Eyre Square, Galway. Doors are at 9:30pm, and entry is FREE!

Was a packed house at Ned Keenan’s Comedy Club in The Maple Hotel in Dublin.

Ned Keenan’s is a comfy back room venue; the audience is right in the comedian’s face, which always makes for a great atmosphere, especially for the comedians.

The crowd was an eclectic mix of touristas, locals and other people of various backgrounds that I have no idea about… There was a gang of Australians, some Brazilians, and no Germans… The German reference is relevant to one of my jokes, and sadly there were no Germans in to listen to me make fun of them… Always a bummer, I am going to have to bring a German with me to every gig for comedic purposes.

Any who…

It was an enjoyable evening. Jake Bourke was the Master of Ceremonies, and a masterful performance was performed… Then Donnchadh Mac An Ghoill came up after rolling barrels in the basement. Other comedians included Paul Marsh, Gary Woods, Mark Townsend, Ciaran McIntyre, Maxine Jones, Ger Divine… And myself Connor McDonough-Flynn… I think that was everyone…

I was happy with my set; it was another nervous tirade about stuff that I find funny, got em’ laughing, though the show was lacking Germans…

Ned Keenan’s is a great spot, cheap drink, an auld country Connemara vibe in the middle of Gardiner Street Lower in Dublin; a great room for comedy. The sweat was pouring and the laughs were flying and bouncing and… Whatever laughs do they did that…

Ned Keenan’s Comedy Club is on every Friday from 21:00-00:30 in The Maple Hotel, 74-75 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 Dublin, Ireland. It’s free entry and the craic is mighty, thanks for having me in.

The night started off a bit shaky, but in the end the seats were full and the comedy train plowed merrily along. It took a bit more to get the tired Sunday crowd going, there seemed to be a few sore heads in the audience, but the age-old belief that laughter cures all soreness…? Was proven true… I think that’s a saying anyway? If it’s not it, it is now!

The Crowbar Crew (Danny O’Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, Connor McDonough-Flynn) all hit form. Danny O’Hanlon started the race… Kenny Gaughan cam around the second corner, Connor McDonough-Flynn around the third corner after the break, and Johnny Graham took care of the final stretch… The Galway Races have started today, thus the horse racing references…

The Special Guest on the night was Sean Nolan who had strong set, in his own reserved fashion. He had the audience befuddled and laughing, and ended his set with his trusty guitar… And some introspective poetry…

That’s it for the Crowbar Crew for now… Was an amazing couple of weeks in the Townhouse Bar, fairplay to all the audience members and comedians, every night was an absolute pleasure! Look out for The Crowbar Crew (Danny O’Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, Connor McDonough-Flynn) in the future; the lads are going to continue to make waves in the Irish Comedy Scene.

The Crowbar Crew (Danny O’Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, Connor McDonough-Flynn) all hit flying form and had the audience in stitches laughing.

The show was almost infiltrated by the mad laugher (who will remain unnamed), but after some intense moments, the show went on unfazed, and went swimmingly to say the least.

The Special Guest on the night was John Sheehan and he had a class set about relationship problems, his favorite films, and how old people are keeping up with modern technology…

The line up was strong once again on the evening; the audience was up for a laugh, and laugh they did. I’d imagine they’re still laughing… At something else probably…

Crowbar Comedy’s last show is thus Sunday, the 29th of July, the Special Guest is Sean Nolan, and the lads are going to send the Fringe Festival off with a flurry of laughter. The tickets are a wallet-friendly €3, and the comedy is not to be missed!

Was a rip-roaring good time at The Townhouse tonight, the Crowbar Comedy Crew (Danny O’Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, Connor McDonough-Flynn) did themselves and the Galway Fringe Festival proud performing to another packed house of 60+!

The Audience tonight was more than up for it, from the get go they were on the edge of their seats, giving it loads, and laughing like hyenas.

Connor McDonough-Flynn started the night off with a bang… Danny O’Hanlon followed up with a left hook… Then Kenny Gaughan with the right hook… And Johnny Graham finished the night with the knockout punch…

Johnny brought the mad-squealing laugher Owen (a Fringe Volunteer) on stage for his song “Great Little Tractor”, and the audience was left wet with laughter. Owen’s laugh, we’ll call it unique, had been prominent throughout the show and I imagine it’s still haunting the room at this very moment…

The nights Special Guest Danny Dowling flew all the way in from Headford for the gig and had a great set. Talking about his favorite child, smoking wacky, and dealing with monsters, it was a very enjoyable set.

All the performers on the night played an absolute blinder, it was a class night of comedy.

Crowbar Comedy is back on Friday the 27th of July, with Special Guest John Sheehan, the tickets are a budget friendly €3; it’s a show not to be missed!

Was another comedy packed week at The Townhouse Bar on Quay Lane in Galway! The comedy scene proves to be potent during the Galway Fringe Festival.

This week Crowbar Comedy had 3-shows: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. And there’s 3-more on the same days this week!!!

Wednesday was packed out with ‘turistas’: Spanish, German, American, Hungarian, and plenty of Irish and local Galwegians, a plethora of madness from all over the world. The Special Guest Sean Sheridan had a great set about drugs and football. And the Crowbar Crew (Danny O’Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, Connor McDonough-Flynn)all hit flying form once again; the audience was left with smiles all around.

Friday was another packed out night, 60+ eager comedy enthusiasts crammed into the wallet friendly €3 show for a class line up including the Special Guest Lorna Forde, and the Crowbar Crew (Danny O’Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, Connor McDonough-Flynn). The Crowbar Crew lined em’ up and knocked em’ down with a wide range of material; Danny, Kenny, Johnny and Connor all have unique styles that keep the show interesting and unpredictable. Lorna Forde had an entertaining set about being a mom, and the humorous-mayhem that comes with daily life.

Sunday night clashed with the Macnas Parade, which is an amazing part of the Galway Arts Festival, so after toughing it out in the rain and getting people in, the show started off and was a great success! The audience was up for it and they got it… What ever ‘it’ is… ‘It’ Sunday night was great comedy. The Crowbar Crew (Danny O’Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, Connor McDonough-Flynn) once again all hit the comedy nerve of the crowd and got the laughs flowing. Cian Mc, the Special Guest, had a first-class set, joking about whiskey consumption, unpopular teenage years and how his mobile is messing with his self-esteem. All the lads played a blinder on the night and the crowd left satisfied…

Crowbar Comedy is part of the Galway Fringe Festivaland it’s on this week the 25th, 27th and 29th of July, tickets are a wallet-friendly €3, it’s a show not to be missed!!! Danny O’Hanlon, Kenny Gaughan, Johnny Graham, Connor McDonough-Flynn, are all class, up and coming comedians. Each night has another up and coming comedian coming in as a special guest as well, making Crowbar Comedy a unique, laugh-out-loud show every night! A must see show during the Galway Fringe Festival.

Connor McDonough-Flynn first began performing in Los Angeles in 2007. He then moved back to Ireland and continued on his journey as a stand up comedian in January 2011. He’s performed in England, Amsterdam, Spain, and all over Ireland. He’s supported such acts as Maeve Higgins and John Colleary.
Connor ran and organized the “Get up, Stand Up @ Garvey’s” comedy night in Garvey’s Bar, Galway. He ran and organized the “Unhinged Comedy Club” in The Cellar Bar. He was at the heart of the comedy scene in Galway. Now, he’s living in Dublin…
His comedy is brainy, bold and (un)balanced – he’s an arguably debatable spectator tempter. Connor will have you laughing away as he deals with the debaucherous topics that present themselves daily. The stimulating humdrum thoughts that arouse bemusement. And the oddball anecdotes that evoke smiles, from the lips, on your face. There’s a means to his madcap manoeuvres.